Due to West Virginia’s low infection rate, the government is reducing federal funding for the state’s HIV/AIDS program by more than $200,000. Combined with cuts from the previous year, the reductions to the state total more than $617,000. The Department of Health and Human Resources reported that this funding is being redirected to states with higher infection rates. According to Public Health Commissioner Marian Swinker, the state will be forced to eliminate a $20 reimbursement for HIV specimen collection and counseling services, but federal funds will still enable the Office of Laboratory Services to cover lab testing. However, HIV testing may no longer be available at every location every day.

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